Lachlan Murdoch's Rise: Exclusive Look Into His Media Legacy on ...
ABC’s Australian Story is set to delve into the life of Lachlan Murdoch in a new three-part series, providing an in-depth look at one of the media world’s most private and lesser-known figures.
The first episode of the series, airing on Monday 9 September 2024, explores how Lachlan has been shaped by his family’s complex legacy, the rivalry with his siblings, and his time both alongside and estranged from his father, Rupert Murdoch.
Journalist Paddy Manning—who has spent years studying the Murdoch family—leads the series, offering viewers rare insight into a family that has had an undeniable impact on global media. With interviews spanning individuals who have worked with, observed, and reported on the Murdochs for decades, Manning pieces together a detailed portrait of Lachlan and his role in the family’s vast media empire.
The special draws on a wide range of voices, including former employees and well-known figures such as James Packer, Malcolm Turnbull, and New York Times journalist Jim Rutenberg. These perspectives are supported by extensive archival material, which illuminates the pivotal moments of Lachlan’s journey within the family and his often-contentious relationships with his siblings Elisabeth and James.
The first instalment, titled Blood, traces the origins of the Murdoch family ethos—a fierce drive for power, a passion for newspapers, and a deeply ingrained underdog mentality. Manning delves into how these traits, which have propelled Rupert Murdoch‘s global media expansion, have been passed on to his eldest son.
The episode also reflects on the family’s challenging years in London, where Lachlan was born in 1971, and how from a young age, he was groomed for a future in the media industry by his father.
As Rupert Murdoch’s health declines and control of the family empire hangs in the balance, the series shines a light on the deep-seated sibling rivalry. The tensions within the family, particularly between Lachlan and his younger brother James, have long been a subject of media speculation. This internal struggle is expected to intensify as a legal battle plays out in the United States, centring on succession within the Murdoch empire.
Manning’s long-standing interest in the Murdochs has earned him recognition as a leading expert on the family, and in this Australian Story special, he combines sharp investigative journalism with accessible storytelling.
Figures such as Mark Day, Eric Beecher, and David Armstrong—all of whom have had ties to the Murdochs—offer their perspectives on the family dynamics and Lachlan’s role within the empire.
Produced by Greg Hassall, the three-part series promises to unravel one of the most captivating untold stories in media history.
Viewers can catch up on previous episodes of Australian Story on ABC iview, with the Lachlan Murdoch series premiering on Monday, 9 September 2024, at 8:00pm.
